Cost of Living in Decatur, GA
Population 24,470 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Decatur's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $656,000 for a typical home, 115% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $140,480 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Geographically, Decatur sits roughly 7 miles east of Atlanta. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than Atlanta's $421,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Decatur
The median home value in Decatur is $655,900 — 115% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,716/month, 31% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,480/year is 88% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Decatur has a cost of living index of 181 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 81% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Decatur, GA?
Decatur has a cost index of 181 (100 = national average). It is 81% above the national average.
What is average rent in Decatur, GA?
The median gross rent in Decatur is $1,716 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur is $655,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Decatur?
The median household income in Decatur is $140,480 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Decatur, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Decatur is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Decatur, GA affordable?
Decatur is above average in cost of living, with an index of 181 — about 81% higher than the national average.
Decatur at a Glance
- Population
- 24,470
- Median Income
- $140,480
- Home Value
- $655,900
- Median Rent
- $1,716/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
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